Cowboy

*Feels the sudden hard pulling on my saddle bags, which are tied to my saddle and drags on that side. My horse is young, the young son of my former steed and he prances to the side in confusion. Turns quickly in my saddle drawing back hard on the reins to see MaryAnne holding on for dear life. Stops my horse immediately as much as possible, hes alittle frieghtened and side steps.* LET GO MARYANNE! I DONT WANT TO HURT YOU BUT IM NOT GOING TO BE ARRESTED!! *Grabs at her hands to pry at them.*

*Plants my hands on the horses rump startling him alittle but pressing up hard and vaulting onto his back. I land in my saddle and fumble to my reins in the dark touching my heals to the horses sides he turns away from the building and stretches his long legs to move into his gait while I still struggle to get hold of my tangle of reins in the dark.*

*Bolts out the main entrance doors of the Boars Nest and makes a bee-line for my horse. Sucks air into my lungs as I run wishing I hadnt left my form of transportation at the very back of the building. Finally I see the rump of my horse as I turn the corner, he stands waiting patiently as any good steed does. Puts my hands out in front of me preparing to vault onto the horses back.* (Ready when ya get here MaryAnne.)

(Consider it froze on my end MaryAnne, I'll make this interesting... still gonna be easy to get away though. *Yawns teasing.* See ya tomorrow Deputy.*Winks.*)

*Knowing I will definately be seen when the deputy goes to leave I make my move. I kick the table in front of me over into the main path from the bar to the door to slow MaryAnne's pursuit of me. Bursts from my seat and makes a mad dash for the door.*

*Raises my eyes from the table top and blinks hoping I was seeing things, but immediately I know Im not. Stays cool and relaxed at the deputy approaches the bar clearly having not seen me in the dim lighting yet. Glances slowly towards the door, theres no one or nothing in my path, theres no doubt in my mind shes here for me. Narrows my eyes and grinds my teeth, Im not going quiet and I wont be arrested. Eases foreward onto the toes of my boots and wraps my hands around the seat of the chair lifting it just slightly rather then sliding it back which would make a sound. Eases the chair back and sets it down gently, breathes in deeply glancing at the door one more time. Eases my right hand behind my back resting it on the butt of my gun just in case.*

*Pushes away the bottle after four watered down shots, grumbles at the cheap quality of the liquor. Orders a soda and retreats to a corner table to loung in a more comfortable chair and sulk some. Tucked away in dim lighting and the shadows, its as close to disappearing as I could hope for right now. Pulls up an ash tray and lights a smoke.*

*After a couple hours of wandering in the darkness aimlessly, rides down the drive of the Boars Nest and around the back of the building. Leaves my horse at the back of the building. Its a week night so its not very busy at the Nest, I tuck my hat down tight and ease up to the bar ordering a bottle of its watered down whiskey. Relaxes into pouring shots from the bottle.*

*Mounts my horse and steps him out into the street, takes to the street at a easy jog, moving out into the darkness without another word.*

Ya better let go of me Beau. *Warns firmly, lips pressed, brow furrowed.* It wont be a mistake, I'll be getting out of the way and getting a bomb away from innocent people. I wont let myself hurt anyone else! *Yanks on his hold testing his grip.*

*Furrows my brow and turns back to my horse tightening the cinch on my saddle.* No Beau.... a DUKE would not have hurt someone like this. Not in a million years, not even by accident. *Grabs my horses reins quickly and he jerks his head up alittle startled.*

No offense Lizzy Jackson, but your just a pup, your just a green horn. You dont knew either one of those men worth a damn and you certainly dont know me. So dont take this the wrong way... but leave me alone and stay away from me. *Pauses seeing Beau, someone who does know Brian, Garrett and to an extent me as well.* They have all the help they need Beau, Im not needed here Ive made a big enough mess don't you think. Also, dont you think Brian would appreciate not waking up and staring at the face of the man whos still the acting Lord of the Outlaws, and the man who hurt him?

*The exam room is getting just alittle too crowded for my comfort, looks around for a few moments then stands from the folding chair. Folds it up and leans it against the wall, eases out the door heading back outside. Pauses just outside to look back towards the clinic's main entrance, theres enough people in there now including Doc that should something turn for worse or better I am no longer needed. Creases my brow and lowers my eyes still feeling the heavy guilt and dread heavy in my guts. Grabs my saddle and saddle blanket and appraoches my horse.* I think were movin out. *The horse nickers and raises his head from nibbling grass as I begin saddling.*

*Gets a folding chair on my way back into the lab and sets it down inside the door at the foot of the two tables that Brian and Garrett lay on. Sits down in the folding chair and rests my elbows on my knees. Takes my Stetson off and puts my head in my hands, prays silently, not something I do as often as I know I should. Praying for both mens health and recovery.*

*Goes to my horse outside briefly as MaryAnne, Alex and Beau return inside. Unsaddles my horse and lets him nibble grass in the yard, then goes in behind them staying by the doorway. Watches the deputy, it was not her fault, neither man would be laying here if I had not over reacted and charged. Frowns deeply to myself feeling like a plague that spreads to any one who gets near me or comes into contact. Maybe Brian is right, after all these years Im still like a train wreck, just a ticking time bomb waiting to unleash or act in the wrong manner. They were lucky this time, but next time my action could cause someone there life. Leans against the wall eyes lowered to the floor as I ponder to myself.*

*Creases my brow deeply as the deputy approaches, tenses alittle as she gets near and speak. Inhales a drag on my cig deeply and breaths it out turning my face away from MaryAnne.* Brian's inside... so is Garrett. *Takes another nervous drag.* Brian.... I hit him with my horse... *Face creases in guilt and anguish, I caused all of this mess.* He shot Garrett when I hit him. (I must run to town and get some groceries and feed my horse I will be back as soon as possible. Maybe as late as 10pm.)

*Eases closer to Garretts side dark eyes scanning over him slowly. Bites my lip hard sliding my hand into his and squeezing it, swallows a hard not in my throat.* Ya been in worse shape Garrett.... I cant remember when... at the moment. But ya can pull outta this... c'mon. *Breathes deeply a few moments and leaves the table, glances towards the door then at Alex sitting beside Brian. Appraoches him from behind placing my hand on his shoulder, gentle but firm. Clears my throat alittle.* Thank you Alex.... for helping my brother... I appreciate it alot. *Nods to Beau.* Thanks. Im gonna step out for a smoke. *Steps around Alex and outside without another word.*

Alright. *Ties the band above Garrett's elbow and waits for the vein. Takes a deep breath and gently sticks the vein with the needle, starting the IV line. Checks the line entirely, taping the IV to his arm with care.* All set.

*Nods sharply in response to Alex. Gathers IV supplies again, getting a hanger for the blood bag. Gently pushes Garretts sleeve up and swabs the crook of his elbow. Waits with the rubber band tie and the IV line for Alex's okay to continue.*

*Leaves Brian to aid Alex and Beau, coming to the table side.* What can I get you Alex? How can I help? *Mismatched eyes intent on the blonde man.*

Yes, hes got Oxygen. *Grabs a pen light from a counter in the lab and gently checks Brians eyes with it. Fully expecting to see pupils enlarged caused by a concussion.*

*Gets the supplies together to start a IV on Brian, hanging the bag above his head on a upside down hook like stand. Gently opens Brian's black leather jacket and peals it down his arms and off his body. Works his right sleeve up and wraps a rubber band like tie above his elbow. Watches as a large vein comes more visible to the surface. Wipes the swet from my face on my arm and carefully enters the vein with a needle to start the line, getting it transfurred smoothly. Double checks the line then covers the Coltrane man with his own jacket and a warm blanket.*

*Looks between the two tables quickly then back at Brian. Yanks my own heavy jacket off and tosses it out of the way. Follows Alex to a supply cabinet and begins digging through it. Comes back with gause, disinfectant, a suter kit and tape. Grabs some oxygen and gets a mask on Brian hoping it will assist him. Goes to work cleaning up his head, cleansing the wounds and stitching them with shakey hands. Swallows hard glancing at Beau.*

Ive got him! *Swings off my horse dropping the reins so that the animal will stay where its at. Rushes to the side of the car and ducks in gently and very carefully lifting Brian in my arms. Takes quick steps behind Alex, following him into the clinic.*

*Glares at Alex, grabs my horses reins and swings on his back.* Im right behind ya'll to help! Im going to the clinic.